“Little Angel” Alison Johns, aged 5 years old.

Any time of year a tragedy befalls someone, is the wrong time, but especially so around Christmas. Traditionally a time for hope and joy. Recently a particular day that ‘sticks main one. The community as a whole has expressed their “heartfelt” condolences and will strive to educate visitors to the region on the potential dangers that inland waters present. Such tragic and unexpected events affect each of us differently and not being directly affected, can reduce the impact.

As a result of the Herald Sun article, a local Nagambie resident was contacted by the mother of Alison. Rebecca sent a heart-felt and courageous letter, asking the gentleman to thank the Nagambie Community and emergency services personnel, who did their very best to find and save her daughter. With Rebecca’s permission and loving thanks, the correspondence is below.

For those in our community who were involved, thank you very much for all your efforts. Importantly, if you are feeling effected by the incident in any way, please speak to someone and seek assistance, and remember to look after yourself and others.

We had a powerboat explosion and fire on the lake, where a male was badly burned and air-lifted to hospital. Two others on the boat were also hospitalised with burns. There was an incident along Vickers Road, close to town and houses. Sparks from a vehicle caused several spot-fires close to houses and emergency crews and a water bomber were required to control the scene.

But, the most significant and tragic event occurred down from Blayney Reserve, at the waters edge. It was one of the hottest days of the summer so far and many people found some relief sitting at the water's edge or swimming in the lake. Space at Buckley Park in front of the rowing shed and the foreshore in front of Blayney Reserve, was at a premium. Lots of people on shore, lots swimming.

Some time after 2pm, the frantic search for a missing 5 year old girl began. Alison Johns was taken unresponsive from the lake after the alarm was raised by her mother Rebecca and her extended family. As the event unfolded, those nearby, including community members worked together as part of the search to find Alison. Police and Ambulance arrived and assisted as they could.

The Herald Sun ran several articles on the tragedy, with Thursday’s the 29th’s being the

Mother of the 5 year old girl, Rebecca’s letter. Subject: Little angel

Hi I want to thank you and the locals of lake Nagambie for their respects to my daughter Alison Johns.

I am thankful that the police and paramedics on scene tried their best to save my daughter. Nagambie was a family spot that my family went to for over the past 30+ years. Her death was really a tragedy to me and my family she had an amazing time in the lake. She would have told you herself. And thank those locals for me some of them saw the incident and some tried to help us find her. She is now in a beautiful place and will be missed so much.

Thank you.